Here at White Cross Training, we see a lot of parents with different first aid experiences. One of the main things spoken about by parents on our First Aid for Babies & Children courses is their biggest first aid fears. Here are the top 5 most common:
1. First Aid for Choking
2. CPR
3. Burns
4. Head Injuries
5. Anaphylaxis
We’ve decided to help ease those fears, and explain how to prevent and treat all of them in an emergency situation. So parents, listen up and let’s delve into the list.
1. First Aid for Choking
Gagging in toddlers is very common and is often mistaken for choking. Try not to be alarmed by this, it’s actually a reflex that is meant to help prevent choking. The signs for gagging can include: watery eyes; retching movement or vomiting; and tongue hanging out of mouth. But this doesn’t always mean they’re choking! Gagging occurs as they learn to regulate the amount of food they can chew and swallow at once. Over time, they will adapt to different textures and harder foods.
Choking is a significant hazard for children and babies, being the third leading cause of death in infants, with around 2-4 babies dying from it each year. It’s important to know what to do if this happens to your child. The main sign of choking is silence; they will not be able to speak, cry or breath, leading to unresponsiveness.
How to prevent choking:
- Supervise babies and children when eating
- Encourage them to sit still
- Avoid foods that pose a higher risk of choking, including popcorn, marshmallows, round hard sweets, jelly cubes, globs of peanut butter and lollipops.
- Cut foods into short, narrow strips and avoid whole nuts.
- Check for pips, stones and bones.
So, you now know how to prevent choking, but what should you do if a baby or child actually begins to choke?
- If you can see the object try and remove it, but don’t poke or prod it so that it becomes further stuck. No finger sweeps!
- If the child is coughing, then encourage them to keep trying to cough as they may be able to expel the object.
- Back blows: give up to 5 sharp back blows with the heel of your hand in between their shoulder blades, checking each time to see if the object is removed.
- Abdominal thrusts: this is used for children over 12 months old. Stand or kneel behind your child. Place your arms under the child’s arms and around their upper abdomen. Clench your fist and place it between their navel and ribs. Place your other hand over the top of your clenched fist. Then pull sharply inwards and upwards and repeat up to 5 times.
- Chest thrusts: this is used for children under 12 months. Lay your baby face up along the length of your thighs, tilted downwards. Find their breastbone and place 2 fingers in the middle. Give up to 5 sharp chest thrusts (pushes), compressing the chest by about a third.
- Repeat back blows and abdominal or chest thrusts until the object is removed or they become unconscious. If the child becomes unconscious, immediately call 999.
2. CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial life-saving technique that can revive someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. If a child is in this dire situation, it is essential to act quickly and effectively.
First and foremost, call the emergency services immediately by dialing 999 or 112. Then, without delay, begin giving CPR.
The process for performing CPR on a child (not a baby) is very similar to that for an adult:
- Place the child on a firm, flat surface and open their airway.
- Give 5 initial rescue breaths.
- Begin 30 chest compressions using one or two hands depending on the child’s size.
- Follow with 2 rescue breaths.
- Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency services arrive, the child regains consciousness, or a defibrillator becomes available.
For CPR on babies, the technique is slightly different. Instead of using the standard hand position, you should use two fingers or two thumbs to perform the chest compressions.
Performing CPR on a child can be a parent’s worst nightmare, but knowing the correct techniques and acting quickly can make all the difference in saving a life.
3. Burns
Young children, due to their thinner skin, are at a higher risk of severe burn injuries compared to older children, as the effects of burns tend to be more intense at a younger age.
Preventing burns and scalds:
Examples of things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of your child suffering a burn injury:
- Supervision: Always supervise children in the kitchen and keep hot liquids, pots and pans out of reach. Never leave children unattended in the bathroom, especially when filling or using the bathtub.
- Environment: Ensure that all hot appliances are unplugged and stored safely after use. Use safety guards around fireplaces and heaters. Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of young children’s reach. Ensure hot drinks are well away and never hold a child while holding hot food or beverages. Store chemicals safely in locked cabinets and out of reach.
- Education: teach children about the dangers of fire and hot objects and model safe behaviours, such as measuring the temperature of the bath water and cooling food down before eating.
No matter what safety precautions you have in place, accidents can still happen. Parents should know basic first aid for burn injuries.
Burns need to be cooled immediately under cool, clean, running water for at least 20 minutes. Call an ambulance if the burn is to the face, airway, hands or genitals, or if it’s large or deep. If you’re not sure how severe a burn is, or you’re at all worried, get medical help immediately. Cling film can be used as a burn dressing, but it must be wrapped loosely to allow for swelling.
4. Head Injuries
Head injuries are quite common among children due to their boundless energy and lack of fear or awareness of danger. Their natural curiosity and tendency to take risks can lead to falls, bumps, and other accidents that result in head injuries.
If your child sustains a minor head injury, apply a cold compress to the affected area to help reduce swelling. It’s also important to comfort them, as head injuries can be both painful and frightening for children. If the situation worsens or if you have any concerns, seek medical attention promptly.
Red Flags for Head Injuries in Babies and Children:
- Loss of consciousness
- Excessive crying, irritability, or unusual behaviour
- Repeated vomiting
- Difficulty feeding
- Severe or worsening headache
- Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, or difficulty waking
- Confusion, memory loss, or disorientation
- Dizziness, balance issues, or difficulty walking
- Vision changes (blurred or double vision)
- Unequal pupil size or pupils not reacting to light
- Clear fluid or blood leaking from nose or ears
- Seizures
- Bulging fontanelle in babies
Seek immediate medical help if any of these signs are present, if the child is unresponsive, or if there is severe bleeding or a deep cut on the head. If in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional if your child has sustained a head injury. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
5. Anaphylaxis
In most cases, children with severe allergies are prescribed an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector), or Jext, which should always be carried by a parent or responsible adult in case of anaphylaxis. However, sometimes a child may have an undiagnosed allergy, so it’s important to know how to recognise and respond to a sudden allergic reaction. What should you do if this happens, and how can you identify the signs?
Common symptoms of anaphylaxis:
1. Skin reactions:
- Hives, welts, or widespread redness
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
2. Breathing difficulties:
- Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
3. Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
4. Circulatory symptoms:
- Pale or bluish skin (especially in lips or face)
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
5. Behavioral changes:
- Sudden irritability or inconsolable crying in babies
- Confusion, anxiety, or agitation in older children
6. Other signs:
- Swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat
Parents need to be well-informed about how to effectively treat anaphylaxis in babies and children to ensure prompt and appropriate care.
Treating anaphylaxis:
- Remove the child from the allergen source if it is safe to do so.
- If your child has been prescribed an auto-injector, administer it immediately at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Follow the instructions on the device carefully. Even if symptoms improve, always call emergency services because anaphylaxis can recur, and further treatment may be necessary.
- If you suspect anaphylaxis in a baby or child and do not have an auto-injector, it is crucial to act quickly. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires prompt professional care so call 999 or 112 immediately.
- Try to keep the child as calm and still as possible. If they are having trouble breathing, they may feel more comfortable sitting up.
- Watch for worsening symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or loss of consciousness.
- Even if symptoms improve, ensure the child receives a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to address any potential complications or recurrence of symptoms.
Parents, stay calm! You don’t need to be a medical expert to manage emergencies effectively. However, attending a first aid course can greatly enhance your ability to handle these situations confidently and calmly.
Our First Aid courses for Babies and Children cover essential topics, including how to address and prevent a range of common first aid situations, from minor cuts to serious injuries and illnesses. If you would like to get hands-on experience with one of our highly-skilled, compassionate instructors, book onto one of courses and help keep your little ones safe!